Joanne (Saleeby) Dexter

Joanne Dexter (Saleeby) of Keene, NH, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 14, 2024, after a fearless fight with cancer. Joanne was born in Binghamton, NY, on August 27, 1946, to the late Alice and Edward Saleeby. In a time when women were discouraged from going to college, Joanne stood firm in her desire to earn a college degree. She graduated with a B.A. in Education and French from the State University of New York at Albany and an M.Ed in Learning and Language Disabilities from Notre Dame College. She then became an esteemed educator whose passion for teaching and learning left an indelible mark on countless lives. She recognized the unlimited potential in each child she worked with and helped them succeed using a wonderful combination of brilliant teaching practices, unlimited patience, and love. The former director of the Surry Village Charter School, Matora Fiorey, noted “One of my favorite things about Joanne was her way of making you feel like every student was her favorite. And it turns out, probably all of them were her favorite.” Joanne retired from the Chesterfield School District after 13 years and yet still gave back to the children of the Monadnock region for 14 more years by working for Surry Village Charter School. As an educator not only did she support students, she mentored staff. She helped the school and employees develop best practices regarding special education and led by example as a lifelong learner. She embraced every piece of technology that came her way as a tool to further craft her trade, especially during the pandemic. She was bound and determined to make sure each of her students continued their education no matter how challenging the device or internet connection. Joanne’s dedication to children extended to her volunteer work as vice president of the board for Rise for Baby and Family for over 6 years. She was an active board member who was always a warm and positive voice. Outside of work Joanne was a fabulous cook and baker and loved to make foods from her Lebanese heritage. She loved the outdoors and was an avid biker, skier, kayaker, tennis player, and gardener who lived life to the fullest. She was also a big comedy fan. Some of her favorites were Saturday Night Live, Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and Only Murders in the Building. In her final months, while watching Only Murders in the Building, she almost rolled off the sofa laughing while watching Steve Martin’s character, Charles, go into the “white room” during a rehearsal. If you haven’t seen it, Google it. Joanne would want you to! She especially loved to read. One of her favorite authors was David Brooks, who wrote “There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen—to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.” Joanne had a remarkable ability to make everyone she ever met truly feel seen, understood, and valued. Her infinite empathy and kindness left an enduring mark on innumerable lives. Joanne never failed to make anyone around her feel that she believed in them. This was especially true of her relationship with her granddaughter Riley. “Jo Jo” spent innumerable days caring for Riley as she grew up, including schooldays during the COVID pandemic. The two of them would take over Jo Jo’s house with science experiments, art projects, cooking dinners, and baking desserts. Riley will always remember her being at all of her activities and events and her endless support and encouragement. Joanne was the beloved wife of Clark Dexter for nearly 30 years. She was a wonderful, caring, brilliant, and loving mother to Bob Flynn (Milford, CT) and Matthew Flynn (Norwood, CO), and stepmother to Sean Dexter (Sullivan, NH) and Lee & Kate Dexter (Keene, NH). In addition, she was grandmother extraordinaire to her much-loved granddaughter Riley Dexter (Keene, NH) and grandson Kyle Dexter (Lafayette, CA). She is predeceased by her brother David Saleeby, and grandson Kevin Dexter. She leaves behind her siblings Lola & Ed Gualtieri (Syracuse, NY), Diane Gardner (Tavernier, FL), Lorna & Joe Cline (Binghamton, NY), and Richard & Sheree Saleeby (West Palm Beach, FL) as well as her niece, nephews and grand-nieces & nephews. Joanne also leaves behind many dear, dear friends whose lives were intertwined with hers. A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rise for Baby and Family or Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave, Keene. NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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Joanne (Saleeby) Dexter

August 27, 1946 - May 14, 2024